Milwaukee Brewers: History of No. 2 and No. 22 on 2-22-2022

Baseball is a game of numbers. Whether it be statistical numbers, advanced analytical numbers like launch angle or exit velocity, or in today’s case, jersey numbers, it’s the reason why many fans, including those of the Milwaukee Brewers, enjoy the game of baseball.

In a bit of a numerical oddity, today’s date happens to be 2-22-2022, meaning there’s no better day to take a look at the Brewers history of jersey No. 2 and No. 22. While there is not an extensive list of notable names, there are a few names sure to bring back fond memories of former players.

Let’s look back at some of the more notable Brewers players to wear No. 2 and No. 22.

No. 2 – Jose Valentin

Middle infielder Jose Valentin wore No. 2 for the Brewers from 1993 to 1999 while serving as the team’s primary shortstop. Valentin spent eight seasons in Milwaukee, posting an 11.4 bWAR with 90 home runs and 78 stolen bases in 762 games.

No. 2 – Bill Hall

Super-utility man Bill Hall spent the first eight seasons of his 11-year MLB career as a member of the Brewers, proudly wearing the No. 2 for the club. Hall was a very popular member of the team over the years and was a part of the club’s 2008 playoff run.

In over 1,050 games as a Brewer, Hall posted a 9.3 bWAR and hit 102 home runs while driving in 367 RBI in 831 games. These days, Hall may be best known for his standout performance on Mother’s Day.

No. 2 – Nyjer Morgan

Nyjer Morgan, or “Tony Plush” or “Tony Hush” or “Tony Gumbo” or “Tony Tombstone” or “Mr. Eezzy Breezzy” amongst about ten more nicknames, is one of the most unique characters in Milwaukee Brewers history. Morgan spent just two seasons with the Brewers, showing off his A++ speed, on-base ability and a knack for the clutch.

Most notably, Morgan was the player to drive in the series-clinching walk-off hit in Game 5 of the 2011 NLDS, moving the Brewers to their first NLCS in decades. Morgan’s brief Brewers career consisted of 241 games that saw him put up 2.8 bWAR, 9 triples, 7 home runs, and 25 stolen bases with a .276 batting average.

No. 2 – Luis Urias

One of the few active players on the list, Luis Urias received his first full season of action last season, hitting 25 home runs and driving in 75 while putting up a 111 OPS+. Urias is still just 24-years-old and is capable of playing second base, third base, and shortstop.

Urias is projected to be the club’s starting third baseman in 2022, not to mention one of their top offensive weapons, and should see the majority of his playing time there in the upcoming season unless something drastically changes.

No. 22 – Charlie Moore

Charlie Moore spent the first 14 seasons of his 15-year MLB career in a Milwaukee Brewers uniform, playing catcher and some corner outfield while wearing No. 22. Moore was never a serious power threat at the plate, but he possessed excellent gap power and speed on the base paths.

In over 1,250 games as a Milwaukee Brewer, Moore posted 12.9 oWAR and 1.9 dWAR, hitting .262 with 43 triples, 35 home runs, and 51 stolen bases.

No. 22 – Christian Yelich

Duh. Christian Yelich is entering his fifth season as a Milwaukee Brewer and should continue to man left field for the Crew. You don’t need me to tell you about his successes since coming over via trade from the Marlins in 2018, but I will anyway.

In 450+ games on the Brewers, Yelich has put up 15.9 bWAR while hitting 101 home runs and driving in 280 runs, good for a .294 batting average in 1,950 plate appearances. Oh, and he has a little thing called a 2018 NL MVP.

Those were just a few of the players to wear the deuce (or the double deuce) as a Milwaukee Brewer. Now hopefully we’ll get to see the two active players on this list playing in an actual 2022 MLB season.